Preparing for My Newborn Son

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Preparing for My Newborn Son

Welcoming a first child comes with both excitement and a sense of overwhelming responsibility. I found myself going to great lengths to make sure my son would have everything he needed from the very start. To prepare, I immersed myself in listening to audiobooks — seeking guidance for this life-changing moment. These resources covered everything from caring for a newborn to understanding which essentials to purchase.

My experience with children had mostly been limited to short babysitting stints, so while I had a basic idea of what caring for a child involved, I knew it was nothing like the reality of full-time parenting. Babysitting meant that a crying child would eventually go home, or I could hand them back to their parents after filling them with chocolate, and laugh it off. But this was different. This was the real thing: my own child, my responsibility, and I needed to be mentally prepared for the journey ahead.

One of the first resources I turned to in preparation for fatherhood was The Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby’s First Years, 2nd Edition (available as an audiobook and paperback). This guide offers invaluable insights covering the first three years of a child’s life, serving both as a roadmap for healthy development and a troubleshooting companion for new parents. Even within the first month after birth, it addresses crucial topics such as “Baby’s First Days,” “Baby’s Movement,” and “Baby’s Mental Development,” which made the reality of parenthood feel immediate and tangible for me. I can’t overstate the value this book has provided. With my son now approaching two years old, I still find myself returning to it as a trusted reference.

The second book I picked up was The Ultimate Baby & Newborn Book for Dads – The Complete Dad Pregnancy Book & What You Need to Know to Be Prepared to Be a Father (Paperback). Looking back, if this wasn’t my first purchase, it certainly should have been. What makes it so valuable is its focus on supporting your partner throughout pregnancy—a perspective that’s often overlooked but essential. The book offered eye-opening insight into what moms experience physically and emotionally, while also providing a clear timeline of how the baby develops, organ by organ, and ways to stay engaged along the journey. Beyond pregnancy, it dives into practical preparation: what to stockpile before bringing your baby home and how to start baby-proofing. At first, I doubted some of the advice—like the recommendation to have eight pairs of onesies. It sounded excessive. Yet, we ended up with about that many, and in hindsight, I realized the author was right. We didn’t follow every suggestion, but the wisdom became clear once exhaustion set in: on the days you’re too tired to tackle chores, having extra supplies makes all the difference in preserving your sanity

Aside from listening to the relevant parts of the above mentioned books, other things I did in preparation for my son were:

We did not have to worry about buying items such as diapers, swaddle blankets, and onesies because we received plenty of them at the baby shower. Don’t underestimate how beneficial a baby shower can be!

In conclusion, preparing for my newborn’s arrival was stressful, and there was certainly an early financial impact. Everyone’s situation will be unique when it comes to living and finances. I am fortunate to have the job I do, which helped me accomplish everything I set out to do heading into this adventure.